First Watch Restaurant Group Inc (FWRG)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
FWRG
First Watch Restaurant Group Inc
$11.35
+1.43%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $758.45M
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$252.53
-0.21%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $178.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 2002% more annual revenue ($27.70B vs $1.32B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 1.4%. MCD trades at a lower P/E of 20.5x. MCD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
FWRG
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
MCD
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+3.5%
Fair Value
$17.19
Current Price
$11.35
$5.84 discount
Margin of Safety
-62.5%
Fair Value
$155.44
Current Price
$252.53
$97.09 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.2% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 26.4% YoY
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 46.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 2.8% — below average capital efficiency
1.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 2.5%
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.7% revenue growth
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FWRG
The strongest argument for FWRG centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 46.5%.
Bear Case : FWRG
The primary concerns for FWRG are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 43.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.69 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FWRG profiles as a growth stock while MCD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FWRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.03 — expect wider price swings.
FWRG is growing revenue faster at 15.2% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (2.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCD scores higher overall (53/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
First Watch Restaurant Group Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
First Watch Restaurant Group Inc (FWRG) is a prominent fast-casual dining chain specializing in breakfast, brunch, and lunch, renowned for its health-conscious menu and high-quality ingredients. Founded in 1983, the company has cultivated a loyal customer base by innovatively adapting its menu to reflect contemporary culinary trends while prioritizing exceptional service. With a strategic focus on expanding its footprint in both existing and new markets, First Watch is well-positioned for sustained growth, making it a compelling investment opportunity in the dynamic dining sector.
Visit Website →McDonald’s Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RESTAURANTS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?